Both of these European fintech companies are relatively new to the US, but N26 is temporarily closed to new applicants while it seeks a new partner bank. Which one you should choose depends on how you spend and manage your money.
Revolut offers a free plan as well as two different premium plans. At the time of writing N26 offers one plan. The following chart compares the N26 plan against the free standard Revolut plan.
Revolut
N26
Monthly fees and charges
$0 Standard plan, $9.99 Premium plan, $16.99 Metal plan
$0
Domestic ATM charges
Free withdrawals up to $1,200/month. Then 2% of the withdrawal amount
2 free withdrawals per month, then $2 per withdrawal
Foreign ATM charges
Free withdrawals up to $1,000/month for Standard plan, unlimited transactions for Premium Plan and Metal plan. Then 2% of the withdrawal amount
2% of the withdrawal amount
Send money to friends
Free to anyone with a Revolut plan
Free to anyone with an N26 plan
Transfer money internationally
For Standard plans, exchange up to $1,000 in 28 fiat currencies for free — but only on weekdays. For the Premium and Metal plans, exchange in 28 fiat currencies — no monthly limit
N/A
Spending insights
Shows spending by category, merchant, country, and month
Offers insights into where you spend your money, along with monthly reports help understand your spending habits
Freeze your card
Yes: Touch of a button in app
Yes: Touch of a button in app
Interest
4.25% annual percentage yield (APY) for Premium or Metal users with Savings vault and 0.05% APY for Standard users
None
Savings goals
Set budgets in the app and open savings vaults that let you store your money
Spaces feature lets you open subaccounts to stash your money away
Visualization
Spending graphs show which days you’ve spent most/least money
Monthly spending statistics shown in pie chart
Foreign exchange fees
0.5% for spending more than a certain unspecified amount each month, plus a flat markup on weekends and for some currencies
None
Revolut vs. N26: The verdict
Using the app
In terms of the actual app, there’s not much separating these two. Both Revolut and N26 offer stylish graphics and spending insights, categorizing your transactions and showing you how much you’ve spent in a category or at a particular shop. Budgeting with both apps is easy and structured. Both also offer the ability set aside funds for savings. N26 has Spaces and Revolut has Vaults.
Security
Since launching in the US, N26 has provided FDIC insurance through its partner bank, Axos Bank. However, that partnership is ending. N26 is currently closed to new applicants as it transitions to a new partnership with a different, currently unnamed FDIC-insured institution. We spoke with an N26 representative who confirmed that existing accounts will remain FDIC insured during the transition.
Revolut partners with FDIC-insured bank Metropolitan Commercial Bank to protect funds on its prepaid debit cards.
Video: Alex Weber, head of international markets, on why N26 is different
Compare with other financial apps and digital banks
Bottom line
Both N26 and Revolut offer consumers a fully in-app way to control their finances. The products are very similar, but one might be better or you based on your unique needs and preferences.
Ryan Brinks is a former editor and publisher at Finder, specializing in investments. He holds a journalism degree from University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
ATM withdrawals abroad. Revolut lets you withdraw $300 a month at foreign ATMs, but charges a 2% fee after that. N26 charges $2 plus 2% of the withdrawal amount.
That’s not true ! N26 charges 1,7% of the withdrawal amount, without extra 2 $ !!!
Mischa,
Thanks for reaching out to us. The 1.7% is the percentage amount for N26’s EU account holders. US account holders have a 2% charge. We also doubled checked N26’s extra $2 fee. Its website still mentions the $2 fee, but an N26 customer service rep confirmed that there’s actually no $2 extra, just 2%. Hopefully N26 will update its website soon. We’ve updated our reviews. Thanks for pointing that out.
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ATM withdrawals abroad. Revolut lets you withdraw $300 a month at foreign ATMs, but charges a 2% fee after that. N26 charges $2 plus 2% of the withdrawal amount.
That’s not true ! N26 charges 1,7% of the withdrawal amount, without extra 2 $ !!!
Mischa,
Thanks for reaching out to us. The 1.7% is the percentage amount for N26’s EU account holders. US account holders have a 2% charge. We also doubled checked N26’s extra $2 fee. Its website still mentions the $2 fee, but an N26 customer service rep confirmed that there’s actually no $2 extra, just 2%. Hopefully N26 will update its website soon. We’ve updated our reviews. Thanks for pointing that out.